Orix pitcher Yuki Udagawa, aged 26, has made a significant step in his recovery process by resuming throwing activities at the team’s facility in Maishima, Osaka, on April 11. This marks the first time he has held a baseball in five months, following his recent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
Udagawa expressed a mix of emotions prior to throwing, admitting he experienced some initial fear, but was quickly uplifted as he found he could throw better than expected. He started his rehabilitation with a five-meter catch indoors, progressed to snap throws, and concluded with net throws, all in accordance with his post-surgery recovery plan. “It’s great that I was able to throw well without any pain,” he shared, radiating optimism.
His journey in baseball has seen him participate in the WBC championship in 2011. However, last season was challenging for Udagawa, as he managed to pitch in only 13 games due to ongoing issues with his elbow and shoulder. Thankfully, he finds encouragement in team members like Yoshida, who successfully underwent similar surgery and resumed throwing by the end of May.
Looking ahead, Udagawa plans to continue his recovery with a structured regimen, increasing the intensity of his exercises while carefully monitoring his condition. “I want to throw the ball better than I did before the injury, so that I can improve my level and throw in good situations next year,” he emphasized, aiming to achieve full-scale pitching by March of the following year.
Udagawa’s journey reflects a strong spirit of resilience and hope, as he prepares to challenge himself to shine brighter on the field in the future. His determination to not only recover but to excel is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his teammates.